Metal banding

I am looking for a supplier of mild steel band (Black or bright) about 30mm wide by 1mm thick and 60 meters in length total. This is for lattice work on a gate which will be about 3.5meters wide.
When cut to length, each piece will be about 1.24 meters long with each end cut at 45 degrees. I can find suppliers who will guillotine the strips, but charge for each cut and can't guarantee that the strips will be "flatish".
I have had a look on the internet, but not been successful yet. Those of us who are old enough can remember iron beds with similar lattice work!

Can you not use flat stock, 1/16 x 1 1/4 is probably what the old size was and that's available. Get it in 3 or 6m lengths.

I tried using steel banding once for something similar but it was a devil of a job trying to get it something like flat. In the end I gave up and used some large spacing steel mesh mounted at 45 degrees.

Dont think that stuff would be too easy to work with. I would be inclined to go for 1"x1/8" flat,or 30x1.5 mm,if you can get it.

Seems very thin section to me, is there a special reason for using it? I would go for something like 25x3 or 20x5. Easily bought, cut with angle grinder. Anything smaller may need tensioning to keep flat, corrosion will become a problem.

And if you go for the MUCH heavier sections advised you won't need to attend the local fitness centre to be able to move the gates, but you may acquire a free hernia.

Regards Ian

Edited By Circlip on 14/09/2018 11:28:00

Perhaps you want 20 mm/ 30 mm X 3 mm galvanised strip, I think it some times rains in your part of the world, and plain steel 1 mm thick might soon rust away even if you paint it.

Are you going to rivet it at each crossing?

Ian S C

I agree flat stock would be best (no sharp edges) but there is another approach. Get someone to cut the strips from sheet and then cut the ends yourself with a chop saw. You can get a stand to hold an angle grinder for use a chop saw.

Robert.

30 x 1 is what seems to be used over here. Rust is not a problem and some of these gates are more than 50 years old. From the photo (30 x 1) you see that the steel is left in its natural state for a couple of years to get the rusty patina, then if you can be bothered, treat with RUSTOIL which is a mix of varnish and Jenolite probably with a bit of linseed oil for good measure. One coat is sufficient for 20 odd years as a bit more patina wouldn't matter.

Buying lengths of steel gives a lot of wastage unless you weld odd bits together. Older gates were riveted at each end of the strip to the framework of 35mm x3mm steel tube (older gates were solid and forge welded at the joints). with a few rivets every 4th joint. I was going to rose weld the ends and spot weld every 4th joint. The gate in the leading photo is rose welded.
Using galvanise strip would look out of character and not be so good for welding.
I am not trying to re-invent the wheel here, just following tradition to fit in with the countryside. I did think that if I could find a 'Hooper' that they may know of a source of strip (Hoopers made the hoops for the coopers who made barrels and kegs etc), but havn't found one yet but they MUST be local as we are in wine country - probably made in China these days !
BobH

You can buy punched lattice sheet *** HERE *** saves fabrication!

John

It has just dawned on me that the strips are probably wrought iron, not mild steel. Lack of corrosion and age, also riveted construction. Good luck finding any, only place I've found in UK is re-rolled stuff, and not cheap. Just a guess.

I have found a French barrel hoop maker and making further enquires.

The barrel hoops are probably wrought iron, or similar very low carbon material, and wont rust much after the firs colouring/weathering. Wrought iron is no use for ordinary welding, OK forge welds, rivets would be the way to go, just like the barrel hoops.

Ian S C